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Florida Felons May Not Be Aware Of Restored Voting Rights

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By WHITNEY RAY

Capitol News Service

Published: July 7, 2008

TALLAHASSEE - More than 150,000 former felons in Florida are eligible to cast ballots in this year's elections, but most of them may not even know their rights have been restored, according to state parole commission officials.

Funding for the commission is tight and some former felons have old contact information, commission spokeswoman Jane Tillman said.

The commission has a toll-free number, (800) 435-8286, that people can call if they have questions about the restoration of their rights, Tillman said.

The People for the American Way Foundation also has a toll-free number, (877) 607-3786 and a Web site, www.restoremyvote.org, to help ex-offenders, said Reggie Mitchell, legal counsel for the foundation.

The parole commission held seminars last year to inform ex-offenders of their rights, Tillman said. But the programs have since been scaled back because of budget cuts, she said.

"The interest was definitely there," Tillman said of the turnout at the seminars.

The People for the American Way Web site features a database that shows a breakdown of how many new clemencies have been granted in Florida since the order was signed. In Hillsborough County there are 6,007; in Pinellas, 4,473; in Pasco, 816; and in Polk, 4,041, according to the foundation's database.

Gov. Charlie Crist signed an order last year that automatically restored the right to vote for some nonviolent offenders, individuals who have completed their sentences and probation and paid victim restitution.

A number of former felons also had the right to serve on a jury, to hold public office and to apply for certain business licenses restored, Tillman said.

It is possible that former felons who register "could make a difference" in this year's presidential elections, Mitchell said.

Jim Greer, the chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, said his organization just wants to see more Floridians registered to vote.

"Democracy doesn't categorize voters," Greer said. "If you're eligible to vote and participate, we're going to be out there reaching out to you and spreading the message."

Tribune reporter Ray Reyes contributed to this report.

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